Monday, May 20, 2013

Surgery Day is Approaching...

Just when you think that everything is running smoothly, there's always that bump to throw things a bit off. We are starting to prepare for surgery, so last Wednesday we went to Bethel Mill for blood work and x-rays. Dr Lewis had also asked for a blood type, as they are taking every precaution.

Lentil's CBC/Chem came back with elevated liver values and his ammonia level is extremely high (311)...so now we know poor lentil may also have a liver shunt, making the risk of anesthesia even higher. We went to UPenn on Thursday to do a bile acid test, which tests the function of the liver. That test was also elevated, so they are pretty positive now that a shunt is present. I feel as though walls are just caving in on me.

Currently, we are working on a new game plan...although we are still sticking to the May 28th surgery day...however, if they are able to find the shunt on ultrasound, Bean may have surgery to correct that on the 28th rather than the palate.

I refuse to let this get me down....and I hope all of you will continue to stay strong for him- he needs it- now more than ever! Love goes a long way, and Lentil is a trooper. He is full of life (as you know) and he is showing no clinical signs, which is wonderful news!

I'm sorry that I didn't get to making this announcement sooner, but I needed a bit of time to collect my thoughts and take all of this in. So now, the countdown to surgery day begins! We will continue to celebrate each day we have, and we look forward to a speedy recovery for our boy.....we have lots of people to meet when he gets better!!!

Thank you, again, to all of you for all of the love and support. It breaks my heart that I physically can't keep up with all of the messages I have on facebook (I'm about 1500 messages behind) and the "thank-you's" that I would like to personally send. Please know that I am so grateful...xoxoxo I love you guys!

And this too he will get through.. My dog is going on 12 and also has a full length cleft palate, that we never repaired as the vets advised against it back then. He is thriving and enjoys life everyday.

Poor Bean and Mom! There's always something in the way. Luckily, Lil man has a fighters heart and so does his Mom! You guys can pull through ANYTHING together! Many hugs and prayers from my home to yours! You can do this! Both of you! <3

Lentil is so lucky to have someone who is so dedicated to him. Know that we, as a community, are here for our precious Lentil and he will make it through it all! Stay strong..you CAN do this! Love to all.

I hope you can feel the love and comfort thousands of people are sending you. It's a beautiful thing that you have taken care of this adorable dog, knowing it would be challenging and possibly heart-breaking. Take care and stay strong. We are all rooting for you both.

I am sending my prayers to you and Lentil. He brings such happiness to so many every day. I have been following Lentil's FB since the beginning and love starting my day with his "Good Morning" posts and ending it with his sweet videos. The power of prayer and love is an amazing thing and I know there is so much of both surrounding both Lentil and you right now and in the coming months. Sweet Lentil is a fighter and has been since the moment he came into this world. Much love to you both.

Bean you are an inspiration for all of us! With prayer and the wonderful doctors, you are going to continue to be a role model for all people with your deformation. We are rooting for you and Mom! Hang in there little guy!! You are much loved.

I'm sure they will use the lightest, safest anesthesia possible to reduce any risk. Best to take care of the liver issue first....is he on Hepato Support? Would that help his liver? My old boy (18 year-old shepherd husky mix) is on that to help his liver work better, and it's done wonders. Sending prayers and health to little Lentil....

I am a huge prayer warrior. Butter Bean has blossomed through these 15+weeks. He is a strong little boy. There have been hundreds of us praying for him and we will continue to. Don't you worry about responding to emails. You respond everyday by the pictures and videos you post. You have your hands full. You and little Butter Bean are in my thoughts and prayers.

You will come through it fine little man you are a strong Bean and we love you! I don't know what my 6 year old grandson and I did before you came into our lives a few months ago. Now we can't wait for Our Daily Dose of Lentil :-)

Lentil, you & mom have people all over the world praying for you both & sending TONS of buckets of love...that has to count for something, right? Your FB family are holding you both in our hearts & prayers. We will all keep it up until Lentil gets the "all clear" from Penn. Blessings, Love & Light to you both in this scary time <3

******PLEASE CHECK THIS OUT********* I just went on YouTube and typed Liver Shunts and a FANTASTIC vet came on and talked for 10 mins about liver shunts. VERY informative. She was saying if the puppy doesn't show signs of a liver shunt, then there are holistic meds, raw diet, many things that work very well. I hope you see my comment and get a chance to check it out. The YouTube was made by Mercola.com

it will work out the way tis suppose to. bean is strong & so are you momma..and pah-leez.!!!.no need to apologize for not answering all or saying direct thanks you's.....we are all behind you and the reciprocated love is presumed! <3

My Best wishes and Prayers are with you and the Bean, I soeey to hear the Bean has Liver problems but I have faith in the Bean because he enjoys life and is a fighter. I known this must be an blow of some sorth but anything to help the Bean become healthy and stronger so he can have a healthy life. I do not known that much about the Dogs liver and if they do on the 28th will fix it for good but that is what I pray for. So the Bean can than move to the next step to take care of his pallet. I know you have a great suppost system but if I can do anything I be happy to. Reserch or anything via e-mail right now or another donation is need I am here. I just want you and the bean to be together so we can still see the bean as long as you want to share him. Much Love and Prayers being sent your way. Denice.

Sending Lentil lots of positive thoughts and love. Olive and Calvin, my two french bulldogs, along with my husband David and I love the beanster and hope for the best for him. I agree with all the others that you don't need to reply personally or sending thanks to Lentils followers. I think we all just want to know that he is doing well as he and you have a special purpose in life.

Mama Lindsay...love is such a positive force, and with all the love you give to Lentil, he is sure to make it through anything! I know this news is scary, but I'm sure Lentil will be just fine. He has a long road ahead, but I believe he is here to do great things in his lifetime. He has many people in his corner, and we all have positive loving thoughts for him. Give that little man a hug, and know he is in our prayers...xo

It is possible it will clear up. Neurologists testing my Oui at 4 mos old said the same thing. But a change of diet ( I know impossible to do ) and time cleared the elevated levels. Surgery was contemplated for that before fixing my gals issues but we were able to not have to make that decision. So I call on my angels to try and help both of you thru this difficult turn of events and for Bean to be strong. Either way the world will wish and follow both of you thru this very stressful time.

He is your baby and he us our baby. Just in much different ways. Be strong Mom. Lentil still has much more to do.

If it wasnt for YOU Bean wouldnt be where he is Today. thru all of your dedication heart and soul we ALL have watched this lil itty bitty grow into this full of life spunky pup. you have made him STRONGER and he will NOT let you down. he is a SURVIVOR. xo AVP